Material design group at PPISR deals with the design of nanostructured materials (Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), Metal nanoparticles..etc) and their manipulation at molecular/atomic levels to realize desired properties for biomass conversion into fine chemical synthesis and photocatalysis. Please find here the complete list of publications.

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs): Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline coordination polymers, built from the connectivity of organic linker ligand and metal ions/metal clusters (secondary building units, SBUs). MOFs present unprecedented topological richness because the geometric regularity of high symmetry cluster binding to organic linkers allows topology-directed synthesis. The hybrid nature of MOFs, tunable pore surface, and high dispersion of components, all point at applications of MOFs in heterogeneous catalysis. The catalytic properties of MOFs arise from both metals and linker-based chemical functionality. The unique opportunity with MOFs is their “tunability,” i.e., the ability to modulate their properties by modifying the organic linker or metal ion while maintaining the basic topology. Our research efforts are directed in harnessing this unique opportunity and develop versatile class multifunctional catalysts for fine chemical synthesis and biomass conversion.

Light harvesting and Photocatalysis: With recent shocking spikes in global surface temperatures, there is a mounting sense of urgency to meet the today’s energy demand through renewable energy sources. In this scenario, light harvesting which involves the use of sunlight energy to promote photochemical reactions or produce solar fuelsis an extremely attractive prospect. In comparison with the conventional inorganic semiconductor photocatalysts, porous, tunable and modifiable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) materials could be developed as a new generation light harvesting materials .

Recently, the concept of semiconductive MOFshas been proposed and studied. MOFs can be considered as a matrix of semiconductor quantum dots (secondary building units, SBUs) linked by organic sensitizers (organic linkers). To have an efficient photocatalytic activity, the material has to absorb visible light to undergo electronic excitation and charge separation of thus generated electron-hole pair has to be achieved. Preventing electron-hole recombination and improving the charge separation are critical to enhance photocatalytic performance. Through apt designing of MOFs we address these issues to realize novel photocatalytic efficiencies.